Waste transfer and disposal system for bagless vacuum cleaners

ABSTRACT

A system for the collection and containment of vacuumed dust and debris, and more particularly to waste disposal bags for placement over a portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner, and into which the waste contents of the vacuum cleaner are emptied includes a bag body with a projecting portion and a relatively less projecting portion, an opening which is constricted about a portion of the bagless vacuum cleaner, and a light-tack adhesive strip facing the vacuum cleaner for temporarily affixing the bag thereto. The projecting portion serves as a flap that is folded over the opening to seal the bag once the bag is separated from the vacuum cleaner.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/703,324 filed Sep. 20, 2012.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a disposal system for vacuumed dust and debris using sealable bags.

BACKGROUND

Bagless vacuum cleaners are increasingly popular for a variety of reasons which include the ability to visually inspect vacuumed contents, and the ability of the vacuum cleaner to maintain suction even when the dust and debris canister is full. Such vacuum cleaners however, can be messy when emptied. Dust and debris can become compacted in the vacuum cleaner. Agitating the vacuum cleaner vigorously over a waste bin in order to free the contents only makes matters worse by inducing fine particles of dust; some under 1 micron, to become airborne. Allergic sensitization, allergic reactions, exacerbation of asthma, and other health problems can be triggered by such airborne dust. It would be desirable to provide a disposal system that avoids spreading dust and debris.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates generally to a system for the collection and containment of vacuumed dust and debris, and more particularly to waste disposal bags for placement over a portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner, and into which the waste contents of the vacuum cleaner are emptied. In particular embodiments presented herein, when a bag opening encircles the portion of a vacuum cleaner, a tightening means for cinching the bag such that it stays connected to the vacuum cleaner can be transversely applied across or around the bag. The tightening means can be tape strip which partly or wholly encircles the bag, rubber banding partly or wholly encircling the bag, or any elastomeric or adhesive material partly or wholly encircling the bag. One embodiment described herein possesses a section of tape that is transversely applied across a bag that has been partially folded against itself once it is mounted to a waste container of a vacuum cleaner. The tape secures the fold and serves to restrict the bag opening encircling a waste containing portion of the bagless vacuum cleaner which is either connected to (in situ), or separated from the vacuum cleaner. Once waste has been transferred from the vacuum cleaner, the bag is separated therefrom, and the bag opening is sealed by pulling a portion of the opening having a section of pressure sensitive adhesive, over the bag opening.

In one aspect of the present invention, a bag opening 200 possesses both a projecting portion and a relatively less projecting portion. On the inner facing side of the projecting portion is at least one, and preferably two light-tack adhesive bands which are exposed by peel-way strips. Prior to applying the bag to a waste container of a vacuum cleaner, one of two adhesive bands on the projecting portion is exposed by removing a peel away strip. When pulling the bag opening over the waste container, one of the exposed light-tack adhesive bands is pressed against the body of the vacuum cleaner. To completely encircle the waste container, the bag is folded against itself as shown in FIG. 6, and adhesive strap 270 c is placed across the fold line(s) 231 to cinch the bag opening about the waste container. When waste transfer is complete, (1) the previously applied light-tack adhesive band is separated from the bag, (2) the bag is detached from the waste container, (3) a second adhesive band on the projecting portion is exposed, and (4) the projecting portion is folded over and adhered to portions of the bag adjacent the non-projecting portion.

In another aspect of the present invention, a waste transfer and disposal bag has an opening that is flared somewhat like a funnel with an elasticized waist below the opening. The flared portion is grasped by a user in order to pull the elasticized waist over a portion of a vacuum cleaner. The elasticized waist receives, and fully encircles a portion of the vacuum cleaner; typically that portion which leads to the waste compartment, to prevent dust from escaping and becoming airborne. A bag sealing means includes an adhesive strip exposed by a peel-away backing on a portion of the flared opening which is pressed against another portion of the bag in order to seal the opening.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, an elasticized waist resides below the opening, producing a flared section comprised of projecting and non-projecting portions which are grasped by a user in order to pull the elasticized waist over a portion of a vacuum cleaner for emptying of vacuumed contents. When the waste transfer is complete, the bag is separated from the vacuum cleaner and a sealing means including an adhesive strip, preferably on a surface of the projecting portion, is folded over and adhered to portions of the bag adjacent the non-projecting portion.

The waste disposal bag of the present invention can include a handle or handles which comprise any portion of the bag extending above the bag opening.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that elastic or inelastic bands, flat bands constructed of paper or other material having adhesive portions extending transversely over fold line(s) or gathers produced when bunching or reducing the bag opening to snuggly encircle a waste container can be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the body of the transfer and disposal bag can be any material such as plastic, paper, plastic and paper laminates, non-woven synthetics, biodegradable compositions, or any combination of the foregoing whether of single or multiple ply construction. Bags can be produced with or without gussets. Bag manufacture can employ among other processes, blow molding, heat sealing, sonic welding, folding, laminating and gluing together at seams, if any are present.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any elastic material such as flat or cylindrical bands, elastic thread with Lycra® or other suitable material whether natural or synthetic, can be used to produce the elasticized waist of the bag without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Elastic stitching can be applied over circumferential elastic banding to attach the banding to the plastic bag, or elastic materials can be bonded directly to the bag through adhesive means which can include spray application of an elastomer over the elastic materials. The elastic elements can be bonded to the bag in various ways, such as the exemplary methods enumerated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,202 to Raterman, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or by elastic elements sandwiched between relatively non-elastic regions of the bag to constrict the bag opening. One method of attaching a rubber band circumferentially about a bag is to place the bag over a supportive frame that will maintain the bag in a flattened aspect and attach an elastic element to the outer surface of the bag using any suitable attachment means, whether by gluing, heat bonding or by stitching the elastic element to the bag. In any case, it is not intended that this disclosure limit the present invention to any one means of producing an elastic waist for fitting over and conforming to a portion of a vacuum cleaner.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures wherein the scale depicted is approximate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which the body of the bag has been flattened to show the upper projecting portion 210 with upper lip 212 a, and the lower portion 211 bordered by lip 212 b.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in (FIG. 1) after filling with debris and separated from a waste container, in which lower lip 212 b is pulled up over lower adhesive band 270 b;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are sequential plan views of one sealing operation for the embodiment shown in (FIG. 2) after filling with debris and separated from a waste container, in which a corner of the projecting portion 210 is pulled over exposed adhesive band 270 a;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which the body of the bag has been flattened to show the upper projecting portion 210 with adhesive bands 270 a, 270 b which are exposed via peel-away strips 272, upper lip 212 a, and the lower portion 211 bordered by lip 212 b.

FIG. 6 depicts a preparatory step prior to attaching waste disposal bag 100 to a portion of a vacuum cleaner in which the lower adhesive band is exposed by peeling away strip 272, and the bag is partially folded over itself to reduce opening 200;

FIG. 7 in a view taken from projecting side 210, shows the embodiment of (FIGS. 1-6) attached to a waste containing portion of a vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 8 in a view taken from lower side 211, shows the embodiment of (FIGS. 1-6) attached to a waste containing portion of a vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 9 is a view taken from projecting side 210, of the waste and debris exiting the waste container of a vacuum cleaner into the bag;

FIG. 10 depicts the bag having been removed from the vacuum cleaner with peel away strip 272 being removed from top adhesive band 270 a in preparation for bag sealing;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are plan views of the embodiment shown in (FIGS. 1-6) illustrating an alternative sealing operation, and showing respectively, flap 210 folded over top opening to seal the bag, and the reverse side of (FIG. 11) showing corners c′ and d′ wrapped around the bag and brought together.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which the body of the bag has been flattened and stretched to show the position of an elasticized waist, indicated by the zig-zag lines;

FIG. 14 shows the bag of (FIG. 13) in which the elasticized waist is relaxed, constricting the bag and forming gathers;

FIG. 15 a shows an exemplary method of forming an elasticized waist about the waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 b shows another exemplary method of forming an elasticized waist about the waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 c shows still another exemplary method of forming an elasticized waist about the waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 d shows yet another exemplary method of forming an elasticized waist about the waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 e shows yet another exemplary method of forming an elasticized waist with multiple rows of elastic material such as threading, banding or flocking, about the waste transfer and disposal bag that are printed on, stitched, glued, fused, sonically welded, laminated, or otherwise applied to the bag to produce a constricting effect when the bag opening is placed over a part of a vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which the body of the bag has been flattened and stretched to show the relative position of elasticized waist 220, in which elastic element 240 is a flat elastic band circumferentially affixed to the bag;

FIG. 17 shows the bag of (FIG. 16) in which the elasticized waist is relaxed, constricting the bag and forming gathers;

FIGS. 17 a and 17 b show a portion of the bag doubled against itself and stitched or heat sealed to form a channel for an elastic element;

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal view looking directly into opening 200 of a waste and disposal bag according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4′-4′ of (FIG. 18) showing bag opening 200 having a lower non-projecting portion transitioning to projecting portion 210;

FIG. 20 is a side view of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention showing a flaring portion above the elasticized waist 220 of the bag;

FIG. 21 is a side view of a filled waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which projecting portion 210 occludes the opening

FIG. 22 depicts opening 200 and waist 220 of the waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention encircling a portion of a vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 23 shows the bag of (FIG. 22) with dust and debris transferred from the bagless vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the bag shown in (FIGS. 22 and 23) with projecting portion 210 pulled over bag opening 200 and adhered to an opposite side of the bag;

FIG. 25 is a plan view of a flattened and stretched waste transfer and disposal bag with handles according to the present invention;

FIG. 26 shows bag of (FIG. 25) in a relaxed state;

FIG. 27 shows bag of (FIG. 25) in a relaxed state with the projecting portion 210 with adhesive strip 270 pulled over and sealing the opening;

FIG. 28 shows bag being grasped by the flared portion;

FIG. 29 shows bag being pulled over a detached waste canister from a bagless vacuum cleaner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference Listing

-   100 bag -   200 opening -   210 projecting portion -   211 lower portion -   212 a upper lip -   212 b lower lip -   220 elasticized waist -   230 gather -   231 fold line -   232 overlay -   240 elastic element -   250 gusset -   270 adhesive -   270 a upper adhesive band -   270 b lower adhesive band -   270 c cinching adhesive strap -   271 release strip -   272 peel-away strip -   273 tab -   280 handle -   300 vacuum cleaner -   400 debris

Definitions

In the following description, the term “bag” refers to a bag which is sized and shaped for placement over a waste containment portion, or waste container, of a bagless vacuum cleaner. Bagless vacuum cleaners typically possess a waste and debris canister with or without an access flap for emptying vacuumed waste. The bag of the present invention is sized and shaped to accept, encircle, and conform to at least a waste containing portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner which is either in-situ or separated from the vacuum cleaner. Unless otherwise explained, any technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-29, a transfer and disposal system for dust and debris which is particularly suited for bagless vacuum cleaners includes bag 100 with opening 200 having a projecting portion 210 terminating in upper lip 212 a, and a non-projecting portion terminating in a lower lip 212 b. Gathers 230 or fold lines 231 may be produced about the bag circumference whereby the opening diameter is reduced in order to encircle and conform to a portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner 300.

Turning to FIGS. 1-12 a preferred embodiment includes a cinching means comprising an adhesive band that is affixed over fold lines of the bag once the bag diameter has been reduced. When the vacuum cleaner and bag are coupled, dust and debris contained in the vacuum cleaner are transferred to the bag. Once the bag and vacuum cleaner are separated, in part by un-cinching the bag, a sealing means is provided comprising at least one adhesive band 270 a which is preferably on the projecting portion 210 of the bag which is folded over the bag opening.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing projecting portion 210 and lower portion with lip 212 b. Two adhesive bands; upper band 270 a, and lower band 270 b are covered with peel-away strips 272. A third adhesive strap 270 c has an adhesive face toward release strip 271 which is similar to the peel-away strips 272 and permanently attached to the bag body. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in (FIG. 1) after filling with debris and separated from a waste container, in which lower lip 212 b is pulled up over lower adhesive band 270 b, thus forming a first seal of the bag opening. FIGS. 3 and 4 are sequential views of one sealing operation for the embodiment shown in (FIG. 2) after it is filled with debris and separated from a waste container, and in which a corner c′ of the projecting portion 210 is pulled over to adhere exposed adhesive band 270 a to the bag body.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of a waste transfer and disposal bag according to the present invention in which the body of the bag has been flattened to show the upper projecting portion 210 with adhesive bands 270 a, 270 b which are exposed via peel-away strips 272, upper lip 212 a, and the lower portion 211 bordered by lip 212 b. FIG. 6 depicts a step prior to attaching waste disposal bag 100 to a portion of a vacuum cleaner in which lower adhesive band 270 b is exposed by peeling away strip 272, and the bag is then partially folded 231 over itself to reduce opening 200.

FIGS. 7-9 shows an exemplary configuration for coupling the bag 100 to a vacuum cleaner. FIG. 7 shows the projecting portion 210 with adhesive strips facing the vacuum cleaner. Bottom strip 270 b can been exposed to adhere to the vacuum cleaner's surface. FIG. 8 shows the configuration from side opposite (FIG. 7), and depicts a portion of the bag folded 231 over itself to shape and size the opening 200 to the particular vacuum cleaner. Adhesive strap 270 c is placed across fold line 231 to cinch the opening about the vacuum cleaner. FIG. 9 shows waste 400 transferred from the vacuum cleaner to the bag.

FIG. 10 shows adhesive strap 270 c having been detached from the bag in order to disconnect the bag from the vacuum cleaner. Peel-away strip 272 is removed to expose the top adhesive band 270 a in preparation for sealing.

FIGS. 11 and 12 in one sealing configuration, shows a first side of the bag in which (1) the top lip 212 a of the projecting portion pulled over to occlude the opening 200, and on the opposite side, (2) corners c′ and d′ wrapped around the bag and brought together. Note that dotted lines in FIGS. 11 and 12 represent lower lip 212 b beneath projecting portion 210.

Turning to FIGS. 13-29, a transfer and disposal system for dust and debris includes bag 100 with opening 200 having a projecting portion 210 terminating in upper lip 212 a, and a non-projecting portion terminating in a lower lip 212 b. An elasticized waist 220 in a relaxed state forms gathers 230 about the bag circumference whereby the opening diameter is reduced, and in a stretched state allows the waist to encircle and conform to a portion of a bagless vacuum cleaner 300. When the vacuum cleaner and bag are coupled, dust and debris contained in the vacuum cleaner are transferred to the bag. Once the bag and vacuum cleaner are separated, a sealing means is provided comprising an adhesive strip which is preferably on the projecting portion of the bag.

FIG. 13 depicts a waste transfer bag with an elasticized waist portion 220. It should be understood that the FIG. 13 does not represent a normal state of the bag, but schematically shows the relative positions of the bag elements if the bag were to be stretched and flattened, such as between two panes of glass. Once the circumferential elasticized waist is applied, the bag assumes the relaxed state shown in FIG. 14. The elasticized waist produces gathers in immediately adjacent sections, and a flaring above the waist. Regarding FIG. 14, it should be noted that the grid pattern shown on projecting portion 210 is a visual device to help distinguish the projecting portion form the lower portion. Both portions are flared and together (1) serve as a guide to inserting a portion of a vacuum cleaner and (2) provides a user with easily gripped regions for positioning the waist 220 over a portion of a vacuum cleaner. Regarding the flared portion, the projecting and non-projecting portions transition from one to the other, and are therefore contiguous.

FIGS. 15 a-15 d show various exemplary methods for producing an elasticized waist 220. In FIG. 15 a, a flat elastic element 240, is attached to the inside or outer surface of the bag by stitching which is indicated in the broken zig-zag pattern. FIG. 15 b shows a zig-zag pattern formed by a bonded elastic element(s) such as a cylindrical rubber strands arranged in a zig-zag pattern which can be heat bonded or otherwise adhered to the bag circumference by glue or spraying a coating of an elastomer over the strands. FIG. 15 c shows a flat elastic band shown in dotted line on the outer surface of the bag, yet beneath an strip overlay 232 bonded to the bag's surface which secures the elastic member to the bag. Likewise, FIG. 15 d shows a zig-zag pattern formed by an elastic strand shown in dotted line beneath an applied strip overlay. The overlay can be the same material as the bag body, such as polyethylene or cellophane which is glued or heat sealed over the elastic element. While it is preferable that the elastic elements completely encircle the bag to form a continuous waist, the elastic elements and bonding means can be applied in multiple non-connecting sections about the circumference of the bag.

FIG. 16 shows waste disposal bag 100 in a flattened aspect possessing a flat elastic member 240 which can be one or more elastic elements, such as rubber bands about the circumference of the bag producing an elasticized waist 220. FIG. 17 shows the bag of (FIG. 16) in a relaxed state producing a constricted waist. Regarding FIG. 17, the grid pattern shown on projecting portion 210 is a visual device to help distinguish the projecting portion 210 from the lower portion. FIG. 17 a is cross-sectional views taken along lines 3′-3′ of FIG. 16, depicting a possible configuration for the elasticized waist in which a portion of the bag is doubled back and adhered to itself to form a channel resembling a casing for the elastic element. FIG. 17 b is another possible configuration showing the channel formed on the inside of the bag.

FIG. 18 is a view looking directly into the opening of a waste and disposal bag according to the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4′-4′ of (FIG. 18), and best shows projecting portion 210 as it relates to bag opening 200 and elasticized waist 220. The transition between upper and lower portions of the opening can be curved, or any transition profile between the respective portions of the opening possessing suitable tear resistance can be used.

FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are side views showing respectively, a waste transfer and disposal bag 100 before and after filling. While the projecting portion has an adhesive region 270 which is preferably covered by a peel-away strip (not shown), it is intended that the adhesive region can be of any size up to entirely covering a side of the projecting portion, or positioned on another portion of the bag adjacent lower lip 212 b. After filling the bag, projecting portion 210 is folded over the opening. Although FIG. 21 shows a gap (at top) between the projecting and lower portions, this would not ordinarily be the case, because the projecting portion can adhere to any adjacent region of the bag and completely occlude the bag's opening.

FIG. 22 shows waste transfer and disposal bag 100 in which elasticized waist 220 has been pulled over an end of a waste filled bagless vacuum cleaner 300. In some vacuum cleaners a movable flap covers the waste compartment, while in others the waste compartment can be completely separated from the vacuum cleaner. In any case, the elasticized waist fits snugly over the vacuum cleaner or a portion thereof during waste transfer to eliminate spillage and airborne dust. FIG. 23 shows the bag with transferred waste from the vacuum cleaner. FIG. 24 shows the bag when separated from the vacuum cleaner and sealed.

FIGS. 25-27 shows waste disposal bag 100 with handles 280 which can be any part of the bag projecting beyond the opening. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the constricted waist and the flaring of the bag opening. FIG. 29 shows the bag being pulled over a detached waste canister of a bagless vacuum in which the elasticized waist conforms to the shape of the canister. The bag is mounted over a portion of a vacuum cleaner by grasping the flared section on both sides of the bag in order to stretch the elasticized waist over the vacuum cleaner.

It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. For example, modifications to the bag structure such as the minimum and maximum diameter of opening 200 in order to accommodate a particular make and model of vacuum cleaner as well as the type of closure element(s) used to cinch and therefore temporarily reduce the opening for snug fitting about a vacuum cleaner body, as well as the type of elastic elements used for the waist and the particular method of applying the elastic elements to the bag can be altered as required without departing from the scope of the invention. The bag itself can be rectangular when seen in a plan orientation, or any other shape for fitment about a vacuum cleaner that will suggest itself to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention encompass any further modifications, sealing configurations consistent with the disclosed bag structure, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure, and which fall within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A waste transfer and disposal bag for bagless vacuum cleaners comprising: (1) a bag having a top edge, a bottom edge, an opening sized and shaped to receive part of a vacuum cleaner, and a sealing means providing circumferential closure around the vacuum cleaner part sufficient to prevent escape of dust particles, and, (2) wherein the sealing means includes an adhesive strip with a peel away backing on an inside surface of the bag for temporarily securing the bag opening to the vacuum cleaner part.
 2. The bag according to claim 1 further comprising a first projecting portion defining the top edge of the bag, and a second less projecting portion below the first projecting portion.
 3. The bag according to claim 1, in which the sealing means further comprises at least one adhesive band attached to the first elongated portion.
 4. The bag according to claim 1 further comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive.
 5. The bag according to claim 1 further comprising a closure formed when a portion of the bag is adhered to another portion of the bag to occlude the bag opening.
 6. The bag according to claim 1 in which the sealing means comprises an elastic member or an adhesive strap.
 7. A method for transfer and disposal of waste from bagless vacuum cleaners comprising the steps of: (1) providing a bag having a top edge and a bottom edge, an opening sized and shaped to receive a part of a bagless vacuum cleaner, and sealing means providing circumferential closure around the vacuum cleaner part sufficient to prevent escape of dust particles, and, wherein the sealing means includes an adhesive strip with a peel away backing affixed to an inside surface of the bag for temporarily securing the bag opening to the vacuum cleaner part, (2) adhering the adhesive strip to the vacuum cleaner part, (3) transferring waste from the vacuum cleaner to the bag without producing airborne dust particles, (4) disconnecting the bag from the vacuum cleaner part, (5) closing the opening of the bag, (6) disposing of the bag.
 8. The bag according to claim 7 further comprising a first projecting portion defining the top edge, and a second less projecting portion below the first projecting portion.
 9. The bag according to claim 7 further comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive.
 10. The bag according to claim 7 in which the sealing means comprises an adhesive strap or elastic member. 